Chapter 107

The memory gap didn't trouble Evelyn much. What truly bothered her was the lingering grime from her outdoor excursion still clinging to her skin. The discomfort twisted her stomach.

She dragged herself from the bed, grabbing fresh clothes from the wardrobe. Pushing the bathroom door open, she stepped inside-

Steam enveloped the space. Running water echoed against marble tiles. The warmth hit her like a wall.

'Did I leave the tap running earlier?' she wondered.

Curiosity propelled her forward until a shocking sight froze her in place - a naked man with sculpted shoulders and a tapered waist stood under the shower spray.

The bather turned at the sound of intrusion. Their gazes collided.

His eyes burned with predatory intensity. Hers widened in mortified shock.

Reality slammed into her. She gasped, spinning away. "Nathaniel! Why didn't you lock the damn door?"

His voice dripped sarcasm. "Miss Whitmore. This happens to be my private bathroom. Shouldn't you be knocking before invading my space?"

Heat flooded her cheeks. "You never use this suite! How was I supposed to know you'd suddenly decide to shower here?"

"Interesting logic." Water droplets glistened on his torso as he stepped closer. "You break into my bathroom, yet I'm the one being interrogated?"

Evelyn's mouth opened, then closed. The bastard had a point.

"Planning to leave? Or shall I expect company?" Nathaniel's smirk made her blood boil.

"Ugh!" She slammed the door hard enough to rattle the frame.

The lingering scent of sandalwood soap clung to her senses, conjuring unwanted images of toned muscle and dripping water. She shook her head violently to dispel the vision.

Then another memory surfaced.

She'd fallen asleep on the train. Nathaniel hadn't woken her at the station. Instead, he'd carried her home like some damsel.

Her cheeks burned hotter.

"Damn him!"

Exhaustion had claimed her after graduation chaos - Abigail's scheming, police station visits, that forced ukulele performance at the class party. Still, Nathaniel's unexpected kindness unsettled her. The man who ignored everyone had actually bothered with her.

The bathroom door creaked open. Nathaniel emerged in a robe, his damp hair sending droplets down his neck.

Evelyn held her breath and slipped past him without meeting his eyes.

When she finished showering, Nathaniel lay asleep on the couch. With Margaret in residence, separate bedrooms weren't an option. At least the arrogant bastard was unconscious.

Morning light revealed an empty suite. Evelyn exhaled in relief.

Outside her door, a maid descended the stairs with a suitcase.

"Whose luggage is that?" Evelyn called after her.